K808 'Baekho' First Overseas Export... 30 Units, Approximately $60 Million Deal
Hyundai Rotem announced on the 2nd that STX was selected as the preferred negotiation partner on the 30th of last month (local time) for the wheeled armored vehicle supply project ordered by the Peruvian Army Ordnance Depot (FAME·FAME). If STX signs the final contract with FAME, Hyundai Rotem will supply 30 units of the wheeled armored vehicle K808 'Baekho' to the Peruvian Army. The contract amount is approximately 60 million USD (about 83 billion KRW).
This is Hyundai Rotem's first export case of wheeled armored vehicles. It is also the first case of domestically produced combat armored vehicles entering Latin America. After exporting the K2 tank to Poland in 2022, exporting a complete tank product, Hyundai Rotem has now exported wheeled armored vehicles as well, solidifying the competitiveness of 'K-Defense' in the global ground weapon systems market.
Hyundai Rotem stated that the active support from the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) had a significant impact on the first export of the K808. When the Peruvian Army inspection team visited Korea, the Ministry of National Defense demonstrated tactical operations of the K808 such as high-speed mobility and counter-terrorism, as well as self-recovery using the winch installed on the vehicle, using actual vehicles. They also introduced the vehicle maintenance system and related facilities.
DAPA introduced the Hyundai Rotem wheeled armored vehicle as the only equipment in Korea that has been operationalized during the inspection team's visit. After introducing the wheeled command vehicle and other wheeled armored vehicle-based derivative models, they explained the advantages in terms of technology and logistics support when achieving 'economies of scale.' Additionally, DAPA sent a separate letter to the Peruvian side introducing the competitiveness of the K808.
The K808 Baekho is a military standard wheeled armored vehicle with excellent mobility. It is an infantry fighting armored vehicle capable of quickly transporting troops even in front-line rough terrain. Hyundai Rotem began developing wheeled armored vehicles independently in 2003. In 2012, it won the contract for the wheeled armored vehicle system development project and completed development and defense standardization in 2016. To date, more than 500 wheeled armored vehicles have been delivered to the military. The fourth batch production deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.
Hyundai Rotem's wheeled armored vehicles come in two models: the 6x6 six-wheel drive system 'K806' and the 8x8 eight-wheel drive system 'K808.' The K808 exported to Peru is equipped with more diverse functions than the K806 to be used in front-line operations. It is equipped with run-flat tires that can continue driving even if punctured. It also features a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that automatically adjusts tire pressure according to ground contact pressure. A water propulsion device is applied to enable river crossing. Furthermore, from the development stage, the wheeled armored vehicle was designed with a 'modular' concept to allow various weapons and equipment to be mounted and operated according to the mission. There is a case where a wheeled command vehicle capable of network-based real-time unit command was delivered to the military last year.
Hyundai Motor's technology is also reflected in the wheeled armored vehicles. Based on the fundamental similarity to automobiles, Hyundai Rotem installed a military-grade engine developed based on Hyundai's commercial engines for buses and trucks. Hyundai Rotem has collaborated with Hyundai Motor since the early stages of wheeled armored vehicle development in 2003. After repeated research and development (R&D) on applying Hyundai commercial engines to wheeled armored vehicles, they enhanced completeness and completed an engine advantageous for operation and maintenance.
Hyundai Rotem expects to establish a foundation for expanding business in Latin America after this export. This is because demand for armored vehicles is increasing in the Latin American market as part of counter-terrorism and law enforcement activities. Hyundai Rotem plans to seek additional business opportunities in countries near Peru and actively respond to market demand. A Hyundai Rotem official said, "Following the K2 tank, our company's first export of wheeled armored vehicles has introduced the competitiveness of K-Defense to the global market," adding, "We will continue to actively engage in advanced technology R&D and sales activities to strengthen our defense export capabilities."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
